Real vs Barcelona drama returns as La Liga begins with three Ukrainians
Photo: Will Real reclaim the Spanish gold? (Getty Images)
Along with the English Premier League and the French Ligue 1, another European championship, the Spanish La Liga, will also kick off on August 15, featuring three Ukrainian legionnaires. Here are the details of the 2025/26 campaign, predictions for the winner, and where to watch the matches.
Who will become champion?
Over the last 20-plus years, only three teams have claimed the gold medals of the Spanish championship. During this period, Barcelona triumphed 12 times, Real won seven times, and Atlético won twice.
The last team to win the gold outside this trio was Valencia in the 2003/04 season.
It's no surprise that bookmakers are again predicting victory for one of these clubs. Real is given the highest chance, having lost to Barça in last season's title race. The Catalans are ranked second with a considerable gap, while Atlético, even further behind, is in third.
The fourth contender for victory, according to analysts, is Girona (home to Ukrainians Viktor Tsyhankov and Vladyslav Krapyvtsov), which last season was in danger of relegation. However, few truly believe in the success of any club outside the top three giants.
Odds for winning La Liga 2025/26, top six
- Real Madrid – 1.40
- Barcelona – 4.50
- Atlético – 10.00
- Girona – 21.00
- Athletic – 26.00
- Real Sociedad – 26.00
What lies ahead for Ukrainians
Thibaut Courtois and Andrii Lunin (photo: Getty Images)
Andrii Lunin (Real). Rumors about the possible departure of the 26-year-old goalkeeper from the Royal Club have been circulating for two years. The Ukrainian has still not been able to beat Thibaut Courtois for the starting spot and gets his chance only when the Belgian is injured or during squad rotation. Despite the arrival of new head coach Xabi Alonso, significant changes in Lunin's status this season are unlikely, unless Courtois's health fails again.
Viktor Tsyhankov (photo: x.com/GironaFC)
Viktor Tsyhankov (Girona). The 27-year-old midfielder remains a key player for the Catalan team. His start in Spain was bright, but injuries affected his consistency and productivity. Nevertheless, at Girona, he has a guaranteed spot in the starting lineup and will get plenty of playing time if he stays injury-free.
Vladyslav Krapyvtsov (photo: x.com/GironaFC)
Vladyslav Krapyvtsov (Girona). The 20-year-old goalkeeper joined the Catalan side at the start of this year. Coach Míchel immediately made him the team’s second choice after Paulo Gazzaniga, and in May, Krapyvtsov made his La Liga debut. Considering the instability of the first-choice keeper, the Ukrainian has every chance to eventually become the team's number one.
Who plays who at start
Girona and Rayo Vallecano will play the opening match of La Liga 2025/26. The game will take place on Friday, August 15, and will start at 20:00 Kyiv time.
On Saturday, August 16, reigning champions Barcelona will visit Mallorca. On Sunday, August 17, Atlético will face Espanyol away.
The round will end on Tuesday, August 19, when Lunin's Real Madrid hosts Osasuna.
Match list for La Liga round 1:
Friday, August 15
- 20:00. Girona – Rayo Vallecano
- 22:30. Villarreal – Oviedo
Saturday, August 16
- 20:30. Mallorca – Barcelona
- 22:30. Alavés – Levante
- 22:30. Valencia – Real Sociedad
Sunday, August 17
- 18:00. Celta – Getafe
- 20:30. Athletic – Sevilla
- 22:30. Espanyol – Atlético
Monday, August 18
- 22:00. Elche – Betis
Tuesday, August 19
- 22:00. Real Madrid – Osasuna
